The Real Housewives of Dallas (RHOD) star D’Andra Simmons has grabbed audiences with her strong personality and entrepreneurial zeal. D’Andra’s rise from reality TV to owning lucrative enterprises like Hard Night Good Morning and Ultimate Living was influenced by her family, especially her stepfather, Glenn Reuben Simmons. Her family’s commercial savvy and complex dynamics impacted her destiny, as this article explains.
Early Life and Family Dynamics
D’Andra Simmons was born in Dallas, Texas, on March 15, 1969, into riches and power. D’Andra was raised by her mother, Dee Simmons, and stepfather, Glenn Reuben Simmons, in Dallas’s business and social circles. Human resources executive and consultant Glenn shaped her childhood. He collaborated alongside his brother Harold C. Simmons, a 1980s corporate takeover billionaire. Glenn held major responsibilities at Chance Vought Aircraft (later LTV Corporation) and Board memberships at Contran Corporation and Valhi, Inc.
D’Andra’s biological father wrestled with personal issues. He sadly committed suicide as an alcoholic, leaving D’Andra, her stepmother, and her half-brother a convoluted estate to fight over. In a 2021 episode, D’Andra said she hadn’t spoken to her stepmother in 16 years until a chance meeting during production. These trials tested D’Andra’s perseverance, influencing her drive to find her own way.
Business ventures and entrepreneurship
D’Andra’s commercial ability comes from her family. D’Andra co-owns Ultimate Living, a nutritional supplements firm her mother Dee Simmons created. D’Andra launched Hard Night Good Morning, a natural skincare line, inspired by her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit and her love of skincare after Dee’s breast cancer diagnosis. She has promoted ethics as CEO, overcoming gender preconceptions in a male-dominated business.
Glenn Reuben Simmons influenced D’Andra’s work ethic. A devout Christian and leader at First Baptist Church in Dallas, Glenn mentored young professionals and gave liberally to charity. While details of his direct impact on D’Andra’s businesses are rare, his family and community ideals definitely shaped her leadership.
Family Influence and Public Image
D’Andra discussed her Dallas socialite life and family dynamics on The Real Housewives of Dallas from 2016 until 2021. Her conflict with “Mama Dee” over business and personal matters, such D’Andra’s name change from Callaway to Simmons, was a major plotline. Dee said in a 2021 episode that D’Andra changed for financial motives, but she disputed it, emphasizing her bond with Glenn.
D’Andra’s public character reflects her efforts to reunite with her biological father’s family. Her shaman encouraged her to repair old scars, which RHOD viewers related to. Her honesty about these problems shows the complexity of her family lineage, with Glenn Reuben Simmons stabilizing her early life.
Broader Simmons Family Impact
Harold and Glenn Simmons shaped Dallas. Harold was a prominent philanthropist who donated over $500 million to UT Southwestern Medical Center. Though less well-known, Glenn managed and invested in the family business. Their network of enterprises altered Dallas’s economy. Glenn’s philanthropy, especially First Baptist Church sponsorship, strengthened the family’s community links.
D’Andra continues her family’s commercial acumen with her own creative endeavors. Her beauty and nutrition expertise and reality TV presence make Simmons famous in Dallas and beyond.
Conclusion
D’Andra Simmons’ rise from The Real Housewives of Dallas to business entrepreneur shows her perseverance and family’s influence. Glenn Reuben Simmons, her stepfather, gave her stability and ideals that continue today. D’Andra continues a complex and powerful family tradition while navigating her profession and personal growth amid Dallas’s social and corporate fabric.
